Muslim Scholars Issue Decree Calling for 'Jihad' Against Israel

6 days ago 3

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A number of prominent Muslim scholars issue a rare religious decree, known as fatwa, calling on Muslims and Muslim-majority nations to launch what is referred to as jihad against Israel. The decree responded to Israel’s ongoing onslaught against Palestinians in Gaza.

Ali al-Qaradaghi, the secretary-general of the International Union of Muslim Scholars (IUMS), an organization previously led by Yusuf al-Qaradawi, called for Muslim countries to intervene “militarily, economically, and politically” in Israel’s genocidal war in the enclave.

"The failure of Arab and Islamic governments to support Gaza while it is being destroyed is considered by Islamic law to be a major crime against our oppressed brothers in Gaza," he said on Friday, April 4, as quoted from the Middle East Eye on Tuesday, April 8.

Qaradaghi is one of the most respected religious authorities in the region, and his decision carries significant weight among the 1.7 billion Sunni Muslims worldwide. He emphasized that it is forbidden for Muslims to support Israel.

"It is forbidden to sell weapons to it, or to facilitate its transport through ports or international waterways such as the Suez Canal, Bab al-Mandab, the Strait of Hormuz, or any other land, sea, or air means. The Committee [IUMS] issues a fatwa requiring an air, land, and sea blockade of the occupying enemy in support of our brothers in Gaza," he added.

This statement, also supported by 14 other prominent Muslim scholars, calls for all Muslim countries to review their peace agreements with Israel. Qaradaghi also urged Muslims in the United States to pressure President Donald Trump to fulfill his campaign promise to stop the aggression and build peace.

Israel continues to bombard Gaza with the continued backing of the United States. Donald Trump was reported to have given the green light for Israel to resume the fighting last month.

Since breaking the ceasefire deal, Israel has killed more than 1,200 Palestinian civilians, including hundreds of children. Over 50,000 Palestinian civilians have died since the war in Gaza began in October 2023.

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